by Jocelyn Ponce
Almost everyone can’t live without their phone; most of the time our eyes are glued to the tiny screens, and I know I’m guilty of that. I remember sitting at a table, phone in hand, eyes glued to the screen. My mom walked over saying she bet I couldn’t go a day without it, and immediately I raced to my own defense telling her I could! So that’s when my mind came up with the three day tech challenge; no technology except the school laptop for educational purposes.
Day one was a rude awakening. I never realized how much I used my phone, I found myself reaching over to grab it, but always withdrew my hand. I kept thinking of things I could be doing, that’s if I would have had my phone. There seemed to be a constant reason my mind came up with for me to have it in my hand, the need to play a certain song, to text someone, any reason imaginable my mind came up with it. But I held back, wanting to prove my mother wrong, and hopefully prove myself right. I just hoped day two would be easier!
Day two came, when I headed to school a friend of mine who agreed to join the challenge told me she only lasted 30 minutes! But for me it wasn’t that bad. I actually sat outside, and talked with my family without any technology, when I got home. I began to not miss my phone. I looked around, enjoyed my surroundings, chatter filled the air instead of a ringing phone. I completely forget about not being able to have my phone, I just didn’t miss it.
Day three, I couldn’t believe it went so fast! I actually forgot when I started the challenge. This would be the the last day without my phone, I remember thinking maybe I just won’t turn it on tomorrow. It went so fast, and I actually got used to it. No technology wasn’t such a nightmare after all.
The end of my challenge. The day came to turn my phone on, and I did…hesitantly. My phone began to ring endlessly! I got so many texts and even missed calls, and I remember almost sighing as I went to respond. However, I will admit sometimes I still need a little reminder to look up from my phone, but those 3 days will always be a reminder that putting down your phone just might be what you need to take a real break from it all.
Now I have a question for you…will you take the 3 day challenge?